Report: Wake Forest's Marek Houston could be Braves' game-changing first-round pick
The 2025 MLB Draft is just around the corner and teams are now finalizing their plans. One of the surprising shifts comes from the Atlanta Braves. A new MLB Pipeline mock draft by expert Jim Callis suggests that the Braves might finally turn their attention to hitting, after years of focusing mostly on pitching talent.
Braves may focus on offense after years of pitching picks
On Monday, June 3, 2025, MLB.com's Jim Callis released a full mock draft on MLB Pipeline. In this list, he predicted that the Atlanta Braves will pick shortstop Marek Houston from Wake Forest University with the 22nd overall pick.
This is big news because the Braves have not picked a position player in the first round since 2019, when they took Shea Langeliers and Braden Shewmake. Since then, Atlanta has mostly gone for pitchers.
In the last five years, their top picks were all arms — Jared Shuster in 2020, Ryan Cusick in 2021, Owen Murphy and JR Ritchie in 2022, Hurston Waldrep in 2023, and Cam Caminiti in 2024.
Report: Wake Forest's Marek Houston could be Braves' game-changing first-round pick
While Shuster was traded to the Chicago White Sox in the Aaron Bummer deal and Cusick went to Oakland Athletics in the Matt Olson trade, the rest are still developing in the Braves' minor league system.
This possible move toward offense shows a clear shift in strategy for Atlanta in 2025.
Also Read:
Tensions Boil As Wake Forest Coach Appears To Yell At Tennessee Star Andrew Fischer Before Home Run
Marek Houston's profile stands out as a top college hitter
Marek Houston, a shortstop for Wake Forest, had a strong season in 2025. He played 61 games and hit .354 with 14 doubles, 15 home runs, 66 RBIs, and 46 walks. His ability to hit for contact and show more power this season makes him an attractive pick.
Houston played well during Wake Forest's run in the NCAA Regionals, adding important hits in key moments. He is known more for his glove, though. According to MLB.com, he has great defensive tools, with a 60 grade fielding score and 55 grade arm.
'He's a smooth shortstop with great instincts and range,' Callis wrote in the MLB.com mock draft. 'He fits the Braves' model of strong up-the-middle defense.'
If Houston is picked before the Braves can draft him, Jim Callis said they might go for Wehiwa Aloy, a powerful shortstop from Arkansas, or high school pitcher Kruz Schoolcraft.
The Braves are clearly in need of a good shortstop, and for the first time in years, they may be ready to draft one in the first round.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
MLB All Star Red Carpet 2025 lights up Atlanta with star appearances from Ronald Acuna Jr, Shohei Ohtani and more fan-favorite stars
MLB All Star Red Carpet 2025 lights up Atlanta with star appearances from Ronald Acuna Jr, Shohei Ohtani and more fan-favorite stars (Image Via X) Just hours before the 2025 MLB All-Star Game began at Truist Park in Atlanta, the stars of Major League Baseball walked the red carpet and it wasn't just about baseball. With designer outfits, heartwarming family moments, and loud fan cheers, players like Paul Skenes, Aaron Judge , and Shohei Ohtani made the All-Star Red Carpet Show a spectacle to remember. One Braves baby even grabbed a mic and stole the spotlight. Paul Skenes and Aaron Judge lead the spotlight at MLB All-Star Red Carpet 2025 On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, fans gathered at The Battery Atlanta to witness their favorite MLB stars walk the 700-foot red carpet outside Truist Park. — mlb (@mlb) Paul Skenes, the starting pitcher for the National League, greeted fans with Livvy Dunne by his side. Aaron Judge, representing the New York Yankees, also drew massive cheers. Several other superstars followed, each bringing their own charm: Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) walked with his wife, Mamiko Ohtani Ronald Acuna Jr ., Matt Olson, and Chris Sale ( Atlanta Braves ) received standing ovations Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers), back in Atlanta, was greeted warmly by Braves fans Other top names spotted included: Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz (New York Mets) Elly De La Cruz, Andrew Abbott (Cincinnati Reds) Kyle Schwarber (Philadelphia Phillies) Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays) Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres) Max Fried, Jazz Chisholm Jr. (New York Yankees) Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers) Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Los Angeles Dodgers) Players weren't the only ones enjoying the spotlight, many brought their families, and even mascots joined in: Blooper (Braves) Phillie Phanatic (Phillies) Mr. Redlegs (Reds) Captain (Rangers) Also Read: MLB All-Star Game 2025: Predictions Odds, Expert Picks And Full AL Vs NL Preview Matt Olson's baby and fan moments make All-Star Red Carpet 2025 special While players stunned in custom suits, the most unexpected moment came from Braves first baseman Matt Olson's baby, who reached out and grabbed a live TV mic. The crowd laughed and clapped, making it a standout moment from the day. Other fun scenes included: Seattle Mariners showing off a video of pitcher Andres Munoz's cat Matilda walking her own mini red carpet Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott wearing a jacket lined with his childhood photos With stars, surprises, and smiling fans, the 2025 MLB All-Star Red Carpet Show set the perfect tone before the big game. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Atlanta Braves star Austin Riley sparks injury scare after sudden exit with abdominal pain
Atlanta Braves star Austin Riley sparks injury scare after sudden exit with abdominal pain (Image via Getty) After star third baseman Austin Riley exited the game on Tuesday evening, July 9, 2025, with what the team thereafter called as lower abdominal tightness, Atlanta Braves fans were left anxious. Riley's surprising departure from Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia begs questions about his health going forward. The team has not yet updated his health state completely. Austin Riley's unexpected mid-game exit worries Braves supporters Austin Riley was taken out of the Atlanta Braves lineup in the fourth inning during their home game on July 9, 2025. At Truist Park, the Braves were facing the Arizona Diamondbacks when the switch happened. Following the team's report of tightness in his lower abdomen, Riley was taken out of the game for prophylactic reasons. The movement looked to be erratic as there was no seen occurrence or collision during his years on the field. Before departing the game, Austin Riley had batted one-for-two at the plate. The 27-year-old infielder has been a key contributor to the Braves' offence this year; hence any sign of injury would be quite concerning. He was replaced at third base by utility player David Fletcher. The Braves organization confirmed his exit shortly after the inning, releasing a brief statement: 'Austin Riley was removed from tonight's game due to lower abdominal tightness.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologists Recommend: Eat 1 Teaspoon Tonight – Wake Up With a Flatter Stomach Hollywood News | USA Click Here Undo Austin Riley's health crucial to Braves' playoff hopes Austin Riley has been one of the Atlanta Braves' most consistently dependable players in recent campaigns. He is still posting outstanding numbers in both the field and at the plate in 2025. His availability becomes critical as the team tries to qualify for another postseason. Also Read: Report: Ronald Acuna Jr. Trade Talk Ends After MLB Insider Confirms Braves Plans Ahead Of Deadline Though manager Brian Snitker claimed the team's medical staff would examine Riley further, he did not update after the game. Before determining whether he will miss any future games, the Braves will probably keep a close eye on his condition. The Braves already have injuries this season, therefore losing Austin Riley for a long time would be a huge setback. As the team hopes to prevent a prolonged absence for one of its biggest players, fans and experts alike are now anticipating a definitive diagnosis and recovery schedule. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
Report: Ronald Acuna Jr. trade talk ends after MLB insider confirms Braves plans ahead of deadline
Report: Ronald Acuna Jr. trade talk ends after MLB insider confirms Braves plans ahead of deadline (Image Via X) Fans were left guessing after reports suggested Ronald Acuna Jr. might leave the Atlanta Braves. With the MLB trade deadline approaching on July 31, talks picked up fast. But just as quickly, they were shut down by a trusted insider. Now, questions are rising again about whether the Braves are keeping their star outfielder or making a bold move. MLB insider Jim Bowden confirms Ronald Acuna Jr. is staying with the Atlanta Braves On Thursday, July 11, 2025, MLB insider Jim Bowden posted on X (formerly Twitter) to end all rumors. He said there is 'no chance' the Atlanta Braves will trade Ronald Acuna Jr. before the deadline. Bowden confirmed the team will not even listen to offers. His post was based on what he heard from multiple general managers. Just hours later, Jim Bowden appeared on the podcast Foul Territory. He said the trade talk started from media speculation but had no truth. Bowden said he spoke directly with the Braves and got full confirmation that Ronald Acuna Jr. will not be moved. He wanted to 'put the story to bed' and avoid more confusion ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. Ronald Acuna Jr. returns strong after back injury and missed 2024 season Ronald Acuna Jr. had missed almost the whole 2024 MLB season as a result of a ripped ACL. The Braves also stated recently that the outfielder had lower back tension. In a game against the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday, July 10, 2025, Ronald Acuna Jr. came back. Also Read: Top 5 fastest pitches ever recorded in MLB history thrown by record-breaking players Coming back strongly, the 26-year-old outfielder hit two home runs in that game. He presently has a. 336 batting average with 11 home runs and four stolen bases in only 41 games of the 2025 season. As the Braves are in a tight race for a playoff spot, maintaining Acuna Jr. fit and in form is imperative for their success. Among the league's best players still, Ronald Acuna Jr. won the National League MVP award in 2023. Fans can now focus on his performance rather than speculations as the Braves refuse any chance for a transaction. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
